Insulin Fasting

Also known as Fasting insulin, Insulin serum, Insulin F

₹449~~₹853~~ 47% Off

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Overnight fasting (8-12 hrs) is required. Do not eat or drink anything except water before the test.

Understanding Insulin Fasting

What is Insulin Fasting?

An Insulin Fasting test measures the level of insulin in your blood after a fasting period of 8-12 hours. It is done when symptoms like increased thirst or urination, appetite changes, weakness, weight changes, tingling or numbness in the hands or legs, etc. are experienced by an individual.

Insulin hormone is produced and stored in the beta cells of the pancreas. It helps the body cells to uptake glucose (blood sugar) from the blood for the production of energy. Without insulin, glucose cannot reach most of the body cells and remains in the blood instead. This causes your blood glucose levels to reach dangerously high levels and may eventually lead to a life-threatening condition called diabetic coma. Therefore, it is vital for survival to maintain your insulin levels.

An Insulin Fasting test is usually advised following a low blood glucose test result and/or when someone has symptoms of low blood glucose (hypoglycemia), such as profuse sweating, nervousness or anxiety, irritability, confusion, dizziness, hunger, fast heartbeat, etc. This test is also used to detect the presence of an insulin-producing tumor in the islet cells of the pancreas (insulinoma).

Overnight fasting (8-12 hours) is recommended before undergoing an Insulin Fasting test. Do not eat or drink anything other than water during the fasting period. It is also important to inform your doctor about any medicines that you take, as some of them may affect your blood glucose levels and need to be adjusted or temporarily discontinued before the test.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help them determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your condition, and formulate your overall treatment plan.

What is Insulin Fasting used for?

An Insulin Fasting test can be done:

To determine the cause of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
To determine the proper production of insulin by the pancreas.
To monitor the condition of people with type 2 diabetes.
To determine if insulin resistance in cells is the cause of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
To determine if insulin supplementation is necessary.
To determine the presence of insulin-producing tumors (insulinomas) in the beta cells of the pancreas.

What does Insulin Fasting measure?

An Insulin Fasting test evaluates the amount of insulin available in your blood following a fasting period of about 8-12 hours, which helps in regulating glucose levels.

Glucose is a source of energy for the body to perform daily activities. Your body gets glucose from carbohydrates that are consumed in the diet. These carbohydrates are digested and converted into simple sugar (glucose). The required amount of glucose is then absorbed by the cells for the production of energy, and the remaining amount is stored in other forms like fats. Insulin hormone helps the cells to uptake glucose from the blood for utilization and storage. Thus, it is necessary to maintain insulin levels in your body.

Interpreting Insulin Fasting results

Interpretations

Normal range (Approx.): 2.0 - 25.0 uU/ml

Fasting Insulin Test is usually ordered with Fasting glucose test and the results interpreted as follows:

Fasting insulin level	Fasting glucose level	Disorder
Normal	Normal	None
High	Normal or slightly high	Insulin Resistance
Low	High	Insufficient insulin production, e.g., diabetes
Normal or high	Low	Hypoglycemia due to over secretion of insulin

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Insulin Fasting

Frequently Asked Questions about Insulin Fasting

Q. What other tests can be prescribed by the doctor in case the results of an Insulin Fasting test are not normal?

Other tests that may be prescribed when Insulin Fasting test results are not normal include a blood glucose test, proinsulin test, C-peptide test, cortisol test, and plasma β-hydroxybutyrate (BHOB) test.

Q. What can cause high insulin levels in the blood?

High insulin levels in the blood may occur due to sedentary (inactive) lifestyle, obesity, aging, a high carbohydrate diet, family history of diabetes, pregnancy, sleep-related problems, conditions like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hormonal problems like acromegaly or Cushing’s syndrome, habits like smoking, and due to the use of medicines like steroids, antipsychotics, and HIV medications.

Q. What can cause low insulin levels in the blood?

Low levels of insulin may occur in the blood due to type 1 diabetes, hypopituitarism (low secretion of pituitary hormones), and pancreatic diseases like pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer.

Q. What are the common symptoms of hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia or very low levels of glucose in the blood can cause symptoms like sweating, nausea, weakness, palpitations, dizziness, hunger, trembling, confusion, irritability, anxiety, blurred vision, irregular heartbeat, seizures, etc.

Q. Does high insulin mean diabetes?

Hyperinsulinemia or a high level of insulin means the amount of insulin in the blood is higher than normal. On its own, hyperinsulinemia is not exactly diabetes; however, it is often associated with type 2 diabetes.

+ more